Nursing care in hospital delivery is a fundamental practice to ensure the safety and well-being of mother and baby. The main objective of obstetric nursing is to assist women throughout the gestational period, during childbirth and in the puerperium, providing humanized and quality care.
In the pre-delivery phase, the midwife plays an essential role. She is responsible for monitoring the mother's vital signs, assessing the progression of labor through the touch exam, monitoring the dilation of the cervix and the descent of the baby, in addition to guiding the pregnant woman on the most comfortable positions to relieve pain and facilitate childbirth. At this stage, effective communication and emotional support are crucial to reassure the mother and prepare her for the birth of the baby.
When labor begins, the midwife must be prepared to act quickly. She must constantly monitor the mother's and baby's vital signs, administer prescribed medication, assist the mother in birthing positions, and, in some cases, deliver the baby. During delivery, the nurse must also ensure that the environment is clean and safe, prepare the necessary material and ensure that the medical team is ready to intervene if necessary.
After delivery, the midwife continues to play a crucial role in the care of the mother and newborn. She should monitor the mother's vital signs, watch for possible complications such as bleeding, and assist with breastfeeding. In addition, the nurse must take care of the newborn, performing the first tests and necessary procedures, such as measuring weight and height, administering vaccines and performing the heel prick test.
Nursing care in hospital delivery also involves health education. The midwife should provide information and guidance on baby care, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery and family planning. She should also encourage the participation of the father or companion throughout the process, strengthening the family bond and providing a more welcoming and safe environment for the mother and baby.
In addition, midwifery must be committed to promoting the humanization of childbirth. This means respecting women's choices and rights, providing individualized and personalized care, ensuring privacy and confidentiality, and promoting effective and respectful communication. The humanization of childbirth also involves promoting normal childbirth and reducing unnecessary interventions, always prioritizing the safety and well-being of mother and baby.
To perform all these care effectively, the obstetric nurse must have solid and up-to-date training. She should be aware of the latest scientific evidence and best practices in midwifery nursing, as well as developing communication, decision-making, leadership and teamwork skills. Midwifery is a challenging and rewarding field that requires dedication, empathy and commitment to the health and lives of women and newborns.
In summary, nursing care in hospital births is essential to ensure a safe birth and a positive experience for mother and baby. Midwifery plays a crucial role in all stages of childbirth, from pre-delivery to post-partum, providing humanized, quality and evidence-based care. Constant training and updating are essential for the obstetric nurse to be able to play this role effectively and contribute to the promotion of maternal and child health.
